Is the Mercedes C-Class Really Worth the Cost of...
Small cabrios unsafe in rollover tests

Small cabrios unsafe in rollover tests

Nelson Ireson May 20th, 2008 Nelson Ireson By Nelson Ireson Author May 20th, 2008
  • Articles Contributed: 1707
  • Comments Posted: 0
  • Leaderboard Rank: N/A

December 31st, 1969 It may seem like common sense that small convertibles are less than ideal vehicles in which to perform rollovers and expect safe passage, but testing by Germany's ADAC bears that out with real-world data. When the dust settled, it turned out that none of the cars tested are really safe, though some are worse than others. The three cars used in the comparison testing were the Peugeot 207 CC, the Citroen Pluriel and the Mini Cooper convertible. The three cars were chosen as representative of three levels of available protection: the Citroen has effectively nothing in the way of added rollover safety, the Mini has passive roll bars, and the Peugeot has an active roll bar system. ADAC gave the win to the Peugeot 207 CC for its relatively good protection of rear passengers, thanks to the active roll bar system. Unfortunately the A-pillar support failed under the load and therefore front occupant safety was compromised. The Mini had the best results in regard to the A-pillars, but seatbelt geometry problems allowed the passenger to slide too far out of position, greatly increasing the risk of head injury during a rollover, and the built-in passive roll bars are only good for people shorter than 1.75m (5ft8in). The Citroen fared worst of all, with collapsed A-pillars, poor seatbelt geometry and roll bars inadequate to protect all but the shortest of occupants. The bottom line of the test results is that none of the cars is really safe during a rollover crash, and in order to remedy that problem, makers will need to augment the A-pillar strength, increase roll bar clearance and improve the ability of seat belts to hold passengers within the protective shell provided by those improvements. The ADAC also suggested traction control (ESP) could help reduce the incidence of rollovers, thereby avoiding the problem altogether. The EU's recently announced plan to require ESP should dovetail nicely with the findings, and should make buying a small cabrio somewhat less risky in future.
Small cabrios unsafe in rollover tests

Small cabrios unsafe in rollover tests

Enlarge Photo

It may seem like common sense that small convertibles are less than ideal vehicles in which to perform rollovers and expect safe passage, but testing by Germany's ADAC bears that out with real-world data. When the dust settled, it turned out that none of the cars tested are really safe, though some are worse than others.

The three cars used in the comparison testing were the Peugeot 207 CC, the Citroen Pluriel and the Mini Cooper convertible. The three cars were chosen as representative of three levels of available protection: the Citroen has effectively nothing in the way of added rollover safety, the Mini has passive roll bars, and the Peugeot has an active roll bar system.

ADAC gave the win to the Peugeot 207 CC for its relatively good protection of rear passengers, thanks to the active roll bar system. Unfortunately the A-pillar support failed under the load and therefore front occupant safety was compromised. The Mini had the best results in regard to the A-pillars, but seatbelt geometry problems allowed the passenger to slide too far out of position, greatly increasing the risk of head injury during a rollover, and the built-in passive roll bars are only good for people shorter than 1.75m (5ft8in). The Citroen fared worst of all, with collapsed A-pillars, poor seatbelt geometry and roll bars inadequate to protect all but the shortest of occupants.

The bottom line of the test results is that none of the cars is really safe during a rollover crash, and in order to remedy that problem, makers will need to augment the A-pillar strength, increase roll bar clearance and improve the ability of seat belts to hold passengers within the protective shell provided by those improvements.

The ADAC also suggested traction control (ESP) could help reduce the incidence of rollovers, thereby avoiding the problem altogether. The EU's recently announced plan to require ESP should dovetail nicely with the findings, and should make buying a small cabrio somewhat less risky in future.

Tags: Safety

Posted in: MINI, News, Convertible


Comments (10 total)

Meet the top commenters on the Leaderboard

  1. By Gus #1, Posted: 5/20/2008

    As an owner of a convertible, this news is important to me.
    As my Mustang didn't come with anything besides an A-pillar, I had a 4-point steel tube rollbar welded into place, with the hoops several inches above my head (5'10") even with the seats at their highest level.
    That said, I still understand that this in no cure-all, but it's the best I could do. It seems that unless the rollbar is directly above and behind the occupant's heads (I think the Cooper's is too far back, as is the ones that pop up behind any rear seat of 4-seat convertibles) then the protection is compromised. Some cars, like the Viper and S2000 have rollbars that are too low as well. The Audi TT seems to have nice, tall hoops, which some people think makes it look odd. The best system seems to be on the SL, with the rollhoop that pops up nice and tall, right behind the driver and passenger's heads...

  2. By Roy #2, Posted: 5/20/2008

    I also drive a small convertible and am under no illusions that if the worst should happen, I'm history. But then you won't have to read quite so many annoying posts on this blog, so it's all good really, right....?

  3. By MyWheelsOnWalls.com #3, Posted: 5/20/2008

    Don't worry about it as I'm sure Ralph Nader is working on a solution that will be a complete kill joy but yet safe for all.

  4. By Turkle #4, Posted: 5/20/2008

    Ralph Nader has suggested that the solution to convertible roll over accidents is to cement the car's wheels about 4 inches into the concrete and put a full roof on the car. This should prevent any unwanted accidents to the vehicle occupants.

  5. By Gus #5, Posted: 5/20/2008

    :)

    I wouldn't mind some A-pillars made of sterner stuff. But a convertible is a trade-off, being outside versus ultimate safety. As 30 year motorcycle rider, it seems very safe to me...

  6. By Jim #6, Posted: 5/21/2008

    A vehicle without a hard roof is not as safe as one with a hard roof? Alert the Dept. of the Obvious. The next thing they'll tell is that motorcycles offer less protection than cars. But I wear a helmet?

  7. By admin #7, Posted: 5/21/2008

    Actually Jim the problem lies in the fact that many buyers will look at the crash rating for the standard model and just assume that their convertible will do as well. It might seem obvious to us but not to most people. Also it's good to know just how badly (or well) they do.

  8. By chris #8, Posted: 5/21/2008

    Gus, I think the last time the "mid sized" convertible question came up, the mustang and C70 faired really well. I think that might have just been side impact through. I'd say you dont have as much to worry about; I'd like to think that ford put a little bit of work into the A pillars for the convertible (the A pillars for convertible and coupe are completely different,.. the glass is even angled differently). That with the roll bars should do it. so long as you dont land on a hill who's crest is perfectly shaped to get into your cabin,,.. sounds like you'll be fine. Although your mustang GT convertible weights probably twice as much as these cars.. but those A pillars dont look so hot. On that note; harley? I'd like to get one myself,.. any suggestions? it either that or a kit car.. a little street buggy.. what do you think?

    Ah admin.. the basic problem with the average consumer. probably spends more time shopping for a pair of socks than they do looking into a car. I'd bet that the ratio of time spent shopping and learning about cars compared to the price payed for cars is the lowest of any product out there.. from socks and bubble gum up to appliances and houses.

    And they're easily the most dangerous part of 99% of the western (and far eastern ;) just for my aussie friends) world's average day.

  9. By Ben #9, Posted: 5/25/2008

    There is a fact that that study doesn't consider, it's that most convertibles are rather low. Which means, to me, that the risk of beeing involved in a rollover is much lower than with an SUV or an MPV. So even if the protection is unfortunately poor, there is a large chance that you won't need it anyway.
    I hope I'll never need it...

  10. By chinmoy PAL #10, Posted: 6/2/2008

    I am interested to know about the list of makers (manufacturer) of active rollover-bar.

Post a Comment

Post anonymously
Sign In |
will stay private
your 'posted by' name will link to the URL

More from MotorAuthority

More from High Gear Media